New Florida head coach Jon Sumrall warns that a $15 million funding gap separates the Gators from SEC rivals, demanding more booster investment to awaken a "sleeping giant."
There were several reasons why Lane Kiffin was never going to be a legitimate option to replace Billy Napier at Florida.
For one, UF's power structure with boosters is much different than at LSU, where Kiffin is able to have more control. The more important issue: LSU has more money to spend on building a football roster and paying its coach than the Gators.
It's an uncomfortable truth for Gators fans, and one that new head coach Jon Sumrall spelled out when talking to Keith Niebuhr of On3.
Sumrall argued that Florida has more to give the football program and that other SEC programs are outspending the Gators, which could keep the program from competing for a national championship.
"I think there are certain teams that are, I would say, $15 million above us at minimum in college football right now and in our conference," Sumrall said.
"For us to have championship expectations and standards year in and year out, we’ve got to make sure we’re pushing the envelope to get resources like that."
Sumrall said he'd be open to giving "more access" to the program if boosters give more money.
"The more you’re investing in our program, the more access I’ll give you," Sumrall said.
Sumrall has been blunt about his expectations for the current roster. He believes Florida can make a bowl game, but thinks reinforcements are needed for the Gators to compete for a long CFP run in the future.
"Like, it’s time we wake this thing up," Sumrall said. "This is a sleeping giant. I’m telling you right now, it ain’t a matter of if we’re gonna win here. It’s how fast we’re gonna win. It’s coming. This winning thing, it’s coming.
"Now, I’m not patient. I want it to happen every day. But we are going to land some pieces in recruiting. We’re about to do some things that I think will build a roster here that is going to bring it back to where we all want it to be.”
For the Gators to add those elite players, the program will need more money to spend on players in NIL. A $15 million gap is a considerable number for Sumrall to overcome.
However, if Summall can lay the foundation with the roster he has this season and show some promise, money will likely flow in during the offseason.